I like the characters and can't wait to read the next. It has been awhile since I've read these books so it took me a bit to get back into the world. But I was throughly vestedat the end.

Ah, the pleasure of sitting down with a new Jennifer Roberson novel, especially a new Tiger and Del novel. From the first paragraph, I know I am in the hands of a superb storyteller. I’ve been following the adventures of “the Sandtiger” and Delilah since Sword-Dancer introduced them to a world of adoring fans. It’s taken them a number of novels and many adventures to come to a mutually respectful, often passionate relationship. In the process, Tiger has discovered his own innate talent for magic, something he never wanted and has done his best to rid himself of.

Now they’ve settled into a life of respectability, raising their young daughter while teaching student sword-dancers and owning a share in a local cantina. All that comes to a crashing halt with a series of bizarre, terrifying weather catastrophes. They’re off on another adventure to discover the source of the storms, a quest that will demand every bit of magic and sword skill the two can muster.

The plot description doesn’t come close to capturing the magic of the story itself, the memorable characters and their choices, the harshly gorgeous landscapes, the sizzling action, superbly handled tension, evocative details, and plot twists. I love the vividness, courage, and frailties of Roberson’s characters. In her hands, the most extraordinary heroes become appealingly human. Most of all, though, the books portray the abiding love between Del and Tiger, their devotion based on trust and respect, with generous moments of juicy desire. I love how they’re each able to accept differences of opinion without the slightest doubt and to rely not only on their own skills but their partner’s. Eight books later, the romance is still alive. Not only alive, but deep, quiet, and true. If this, for nothing else, the Tiger and Del books are worth cherishing and re-reading.

I am in awe. This has to be one of those books that you keep.on thinking about after you read it.

Conceptually, there's nothing new about it however, the word building separates the common themes to this one. It was slowly and intricately done that I didn't even notice I felt like I was watching from the sidelines while the scenes unfold in my eyes.

So many layers that you have to peel but the author gave an avenue to do so. All in all an awesome read

In Book 8 of the Tiger and Del series, Jennifer Roberson weaves an intriguing novel that is vivid and magical. The characters immediately grab the reader and bring you back into this rich world. The story maintains the distinctive voice that I’ve always loved, with Tiger’s point of view. Despite being the focus, we still get plenty of Del, her thoughts and her character resonate, even through the viewpoint of Tiger. In fact, she might be more vivid and distinctive through his eyes because of how much the character has grown over the years and books. There is never any doubt of the impact Tiger and Del have on each other. Or the love between their two characters. The characters, including Neesha and minor characters, are full of depth and absolutely engaging.

The magic is well written as are the sword dances. But it is the story infused with emotion and love that kept me engaged in the novel. While it is not a complex story, there is plenty of action and also surprising twists that I wasn’t expecting. This novel is as brilliant and perhaps even better written than the first novel of Tiger and Del. It still resonates with the feminist ideas that pulled me to the story in the first place, with the unique voice that keeps me coming back for more.

My one disappointment was that one subplot is left open. I can understand why, it leaves room for another novel in the world but it left me feeling the ending felt off balance and like there should have been more written. However, the main plot point, the magic that Tiger is struggling with, is resolved. 

If you love stories of wonder and adventure, you can look to no finer an author than Jennifer Roberson. This 8th novel in the series is vivid and magical. The characters are just as fun and engaging as decades earlier. The growth of their personalities continues to challenge ideas of female power and strength while also providing a male character that is neither a stereotype or toxic. Tiger and Del continue to be two of my favorite characters. And I think readers will love this next chapter of their story.

I was thrilled to see a new addition to the Del and Tiger series by Jennifer Roberson. It was years ago that I first started reading the series so this was like visiting with old friends again. I love how much the characters have grown, particularly Tiger who was a chauvinist in the beginning and couldn't believe that a woman could fight with a sword. Del has taught him much differently and now they have a family together. But their past isn't done with them in this new book. It casts some light on both their pasts and it is clear that things aren't completely wrapped up yet.

There is plenty of action, sword-play, magic and politics. Everything you could want in a fantasy novel. Return to the world of Tiger and Del--and if you have never been there be sure to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I do remember I read part of this series ages ago and discovered there was some more. It was great to read again about Tiger and Del and it made me want to go back and re-read the entire series.
It's a classic epic fantasy, a well plotted and gripping story according to my hear.
Entertaining, compelling. I hope there will be more
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I fell in love with Sword-Dancer when I bought a copy of the paperback back in the 80s, but I’d lost touch with the series over the years. Nostalgia hit me hard, though, when I saw a new book was coming out now—36 years later! I just had to read it.

And I’m so glad I did! Reading about Tiger and Del again felt like catching up with old friends, and I enjoyed seeing how Tiger has grown into his role as a husband, father, teacher of sword-dancers, and (very reluctant) mage. In this book, Tiger and Del face a couple of different threats. One is magical in nature, as Tiger is targeted by malignant weather magic, with a snowstorm, tornado, sandstorm, and more dogging his footsteps. The other is a murderous Northern-born bandit whose predations need to be stopped, a task Tiger and Del take on with unexpected and terrible results.

Tiger is just as likeable and entertaining a main character as ever. He still approaches life with a sense of humor that masks a deep core of honor and integrity. At the beginning of the series, Tiger had a very sexist view of women, and part of what I enjoyed about the early books was Del teaching him how wrong his beliefs were. Now Tiger is a little older and MUCH wiser when it comes to women. He still can’t resist teasing Del at times, which leads to some fun banter between them, but his love and respect for her color everything he does.

Sword-Bearer is a must-read for fans of the series. At the end of the novel, one of the threats to Tiger and his family and friends is left unresolved, which means that readers will probably get at least one more book about Tiger and Del. While I’m waiting for that one, I’m going to go back and catch up on what I’ve missed!

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Absolutely loved reading this book!! It was great to revisit the world of Tiger and Del again, very much recommend reading this series!!

I read the first Sword Dancer book when it came out many many years ago. Picking this book up and reading it was like coming home, and felt like no time had passed at all. I loved getting to follow along with Tiger and Del again on another adventure. This one kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put it down. I'm very happy to know that there are more to come after this one. If you've not read the series, I do recommend starting from the beginning, but it's a journey you'll love.

Sword-Bearer was clearly well written, however. This is book eight in a series, and I think this is one of those series that you need to read in order to gather the context clues and understand the story. I love the characters, and the overall story of this, and I'm excited to read the rest.

Sword-Bearer is set to be published on December 13, 2022. Thank you to Astra Publishing House, DAW, NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

Sandtiger – Tiger to many – is a legendary Southron sword-dancer. Delilah – Del- is his Northern sword-singer lover. They have retired from their adventuring to raise their daughter and to teach the new generation of sword-dancers. Tiger wakes one morning to discover snow in the deserty south, and he feels magic behind the odd weather. He and Del, along with his adult son and two students, embark on journey to find the one responsible. Destructive weather, challenges to death-dances, and a Northerner bandit plague their trip.

SWORD-BEARER is book eight in Jennifer Roberson’s fantasy series, TIGER AND DEL. I would suggest new readers to start from the beginning before picking up this book. The prior books set up the author’s vivid and vastly interesting world, especially about the intricacy of sword-dancing and sword-singing. They also show all the hardships and trials Del and Tiger had to overcome.

I could not contain myself when I saw this title available for review. I am beyond happy that the author decided to return to this world. I never realized just how much I missed the characters, especially Del and Tiger, and the intricate world. I cannot wait for further adventures with Sandtiger and Del!

I do not read very many first-person books anymore, so it took me a while to adjust. It did not take away from the experience. Fans of this series remember that the prior seven books, along with the author’s CHEYSULI books, are written that way too.

Enjoyable and engaging great storyline and amazing well written characters. Great read I couldn't put it down had to keep reading to see how it all came out.

Coming in December 2022!
It has been awhile since I've entered Tiger and Del's world. And I was so glad to be able to immerse myself again. These characters have had many many adventures, and many exploits, (there is a difference) over the course of the series.
In this book, coming out in December 2022, we join Tiger and Del and their students on an adventure that takes us on a varied ride throughout the world. Chaos, magic, Sword-Dancing, cantina girls, aqivi, snow and simooms! All of it is barely contained between the covers, and the author does a fantastic job of incorporating earlier exploits into the storyline without the book just being memories. The only thing I did not appreciate is that it ended way too soon and now I have to wait for the next book to see what happens!

I had missed the Sword-Dancer saga universe, so I was glad I was able to get back to this. The story was what I wanted and enjoyed the way Jennifer Roberson wrote this story. The plot does it's best to keep the read and remind the read what we enjoyed from the other book. I'm glad I was able to read this.

"Most of the time, the stud chose otherwise. Usually it was little more than a spine lifted, a curve in the spine, subtle objection. He did try to bite now and then, which a well-placed fist stopped. Not through punching him, but letting his nose collide with my fist."